MD while doing DO

[Road2Doc]

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I have been accepted into a DO program, but I want to give it one more chance at a MD without losing time. I'm wondering if it is possible to start in the fall at the DO school, but apply MD (probably early decision) now. That way, if I don't get into the MD, I would not have lost any time because I would just go with the DO. Is this possible? Thanks for any input.

 

[Depakote]

I have been accepted into a DO program, but I want to give it one more chance at a MD without losing time. I'm wondering if it is possible to start in the fall at the DO school, but apply MD (probably early decision) now. That way, if I don't get into the MD, I would not have lost any time because I would just go with the DO. Is this possible? Thanks for any input.

Once you actually start the DO program, you're pretty much committed. There is a question on AMCAS whether you have previously matriculated to a medical school, DO schools count.

I can pretty much guarantee that a matriculated DO student will never be accepted straight out to a MD or even a different DO school the way you're trying.

Before anyone brings up transfers, it is possible but only in extremely rare circumstances with extremely good reasons behind it. Not liking the school you're it isn't one. You would need to be moving closer to a spouse, closer to a sick loved one, etc.

Summay: If you don't want to be a DO, don't go to a DO school.

 

[spicedmanna]

I have been accepted into a DO program, but I want to give it one more chance at a MD without losing time. I'm wondering if it is possible to start in the fall at the DO school, but apply MD (probably early decision) now. That way, if I don't get into the MD, I would not have lost any time because I would just go with the DO. Is this possible? Thanks for any input.

I don't know about the legalities of the issue here, but you should know that allopathic and osteopathic programs are both medical programs; this means that they grant degrees which confer the same rights and privileges in the United States. Since they are equivalent degree, you would be effectively applying to a medical school while attending one. While you are only required to disclose and explain matriculation at an allopathic medical school on the AMCAS (matriculation checkbox plus explanation question), you are still required to list ALL post-secondary institutions that you are attending, or have attended, as well as providing the corresponding transcripts to AMCAS. Thus, the allopathic medical schools in which you are applying will know that you are attending a medical school. I really don't think this bodes well for you. I doubt the osteopathic institution in which you are attending is going to be okay with the idea, either; it is likely against their policy for you to do what you are considering. This can become a hairy mess and in which you might end up a huge loser, in that you may not be attending any medical school at the end of it. If you do not wish to attend the osteopathic medical school, then decline the acceptance, give your seat to someone who would take it, and then regroup your efforts on applying to allopathic medical schools this new cycle.

 

[GreenShirt]

Double post, below.

 

[spicedmanna]

There is a question on AMCAS whether you have previously matriculated to a medical school, DO schools count.

While I completely agree with everything else you said in your post, I just want to point out that the question on the AMCAS asks if you have previously matriculated to an allopathic (MD) medical school. This being the case, you don't have to check the "yes" box and you don't have to provide an explanation. However, you are required to list, and provide all of the transcripts, of the post-secondary institutions you are attending or have attended; clearly, the osteopathic medical school falls into that category, so you will have to list it. Therefore, the can of worms becomes opened. I doubt that this is a good situation, with issues on both ends, and you may very well end up not attending any medical school at the end of it all.

Basically, OP, your plan is unsound. If you don't want to attend the osteopathic program, I suggest declining your seat in that program, regrouping yourself, and reapplying to allopathic programs this cycle.

 

[GreenShirt]

The only way to go this route is to do a transfer, which typically occurs after the second year. Transfers are rare b/c they require an open spot in another class and given the low attrition rate of med students the spots are hard to come by.

I agree with Depakote, if you really need the MD than spend this year re-vamping your app or apply in the Carribean. But if you want to be on your way to practicing medicine sooner, stick with DO.